How should the advancement of large language models affect the practice of science?

  • Marcel Binz
  • , Stephan Alaniz
  • , Adina Roskies
  • , Balazs Aczel
  • , Carl T. Bergstrom
  • , Colin Allen
  • , Daniel Schad
  • , Dirk Wulff
  • , Jevin D. West
  • , Qiong Zhang
  • , Richard M. Shiffrin
  • , Samuel J. Gershman
  • , Vencislav Popov
  • , Emily M. Bender
  • , Marco Marelli
  • , Matthew M. Botvinick
  • , Zeynep Akata
  • , Eric Schulz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) are being increasingly incorporated into scientific workflows. However, we have yet to fully grasp the implications of this integration. How should the advancement of large language models affect the practice of science? For this opinion piece, we have invited four diverse groups of scientists to reflect on this query, sharing their perspectives and engaging in debate. Schulz et al. make the argument that working with LLMs is not fundamentally different from working with human collaborators, while Bender et al. argue that LLMs are often misused and overhyped, and that their limitations warrant a focus on more specialized, easily interpretable tools. Marelli et al. emphasize the importance of transparent attribution and responsible use of LLMs. Finally, Botvinick and Gershman advocate that humans should retain responsibility for determining the scientific roadmap. To facilitate the discussion, the four perspectives are complemented with a response from each group. By putting these different perspectives in conversation, we aim to bring attention to important considerations within the academic community regarding the adoption of LLMs and their impact on both current and future scientific practices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2401227121
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume122
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 4 2025
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

Keywords

  • AI
  • large language models
  • science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'How should the advancement of large language models affect the practice of science?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this